u/ToughTigers1234

Hey everyone,
I’m a 20yo aerospace engineering transfer undergrad (currently looking at UCF). I’m thinking about enlisting in the FL National Guard and doing the Army ROTC SMP route. My ultimate goal is to drop a warrant officer packet and fly Black Hawks.
My recruiter is pushing hard and making a lot of promises, but I’ve been reading some horror stories on here about the FLNG being a dumpster fire for college students. I’m hoping to get some real advice on a few things:

1. Tuition & Pay Delays: I heard the state EDD (tuition assistance) budget runs out fast and flight school funding was paused this year. Is it actually that bad? How often do you guys have to fight to get paid or get tuition covered?

2. Hurricane Activations: As an engineering major, missing 2-3 weeks of class for State Active Duty would destroy my GPA. How do SMP cadets survive sudden deployments during midterms? Are there any real protections? Is it also true that national guard deploys more than active duty?

3. The Citizenship Promise: I'm a permanent resident right now, and my recruiter told me that before basic ends, your citizenship path will be expedited. Is he just selling me?

Any advice from current FL Guardsmen (especially aviation or SMP cadets) would be hugely appreciated. Is the debt-free degree and clearance worth the chaos, or should I just focus on school

Hi guys! I need your help. I'm from Penn State, and I got in as a transfer to UCF for aerospace engineering. I wanted to ask you guys; how is the program at UCF and how is the university in general? I've heard the NASA takes a lot of employees from UCF and the college is great, but I was hoping that you guys could help clear it a bit for me. Thanks guys! Much love!

Hi guys! I need your help. I'm from Penn State, and I'm looking to transfer to UCF for aerospace engineering. I wanted to ask you guys; how is the program at UCF and how is the university in general? I've heard the NASA takes a lot of employees from UCF and the college is great, but I was hoping that you guys could help clear it a bit for me. Thanks guys! Much love!